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Hutchinson board directs staff to draft 10‑year, $12/month operating referendum
Summary
Following a presentation of a 400‑respondent survey showing broad community support, the Hutchinson Public Schools board voted to direct administrators to prepare a 10‑year operating referendum asking for $12 per month on a $350,000 home for voter consideration.
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education voted to direct administrators to prepare an operating referendum asking district residents to approve a 10‑year levy at an estimated cost of $12 per month for a $350,000 home.
Administrators summarized the results of a 400‑respondent survey they presented to the board, which showed strong favorable ratings for the district (82% of respondents rated the district’s education quality as excellent or good) and indicated support for a tax question; staff said the modeling showed many residents would support an ask near the $12/month figure. Tina, who presented the survey, told the board that the research supported either an operating referendum or a capital projects levy and that the $12 figure appeared near the upper end of community support in the polling.
Superintendent Dr. Scott framed the need for new revenue within the district’s budgeting context, pointing to reduced compensatory funding from the legislature and ongoing pressures on special education and staffing costs. He told the board administrators were preparing options for how an operating levy could be used — including competitive wages and technology refresh — and recommended a 10‑year term as typical practice so residents would not face frequent renewal votes.
Board members discussed the relative merits of an operating referendum (broader allowable uses, including wages and technology) versus a capital projects levy (more specific allowable uses), the target revenue range to meet district needs, and the importance of clear public education about use of funds. After additional discussion a member moved that staff prepare the resolution for an operating referendum at $12 per month for a $350,000 home on a 10‑year term; another member seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will draft the formal resolution for the board’s consideration with details on term length, estimated revenue, question wording and proposed expenditures; the board discussed a timeline that would include a possible decision later in June and the prospect of placing the question before voters if procedures and timelines align.
